Secretary Benson statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirms the voting rights of Michigan citizens

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Moore v. Harper. In a 6-3 ruling, the Court rejected the ?independent state legislature? theory and upheld the ability for states like Michigan to enact citizens? amendments to the state constitution. Benson attended the oral arguments for the case in December 2022.

"The U.S. Supreme Court?s decision in Moore v. Harper is a victory for Michigan and for our democracy. The independent state legislature theory would eliminate critical checks and balances in our legal and democratic process and has no basis in the language of our Constitution. The Court was correct to soundly reject it.

"Today?s ruling is also a victory for Michigan?s citizen-led and voter-enacted independent redistricting process and the two recent voter-enacted amendments to Michigan?s state constitution that have expanded options to vote in our state for every eligible citizen.

"And it sends a strong signal against the continued misuse and abuse of our federal courts to advance spurious. anti-democracy legal theories and frivolous election challenges.

"With the 2024 election just around the corner, we hope and expect that our federal courts will continue to serve as an important partner in protecting the will of every American. Today?s decision gives me great confidence that will continue to be the case."

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